X-Earring expandable opening

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a specially designed earring device configured to mechanically expand existing piercings. Fabricated of a durable stainless steel material, the X-Earring is essentially cylindrical in shape, having expansible side walls and measuring approximately one half to three quarters inch in overall length, and preferably approximately five eighths inch in length; and approximately one half to three quarters inch in overall diameter, and preferably approximately five eighths inch in overall diameter. The device further comprises an inner threaded conical member which acts as an expandable plug which increases the size of the opening. The conical member measures approximately one thirty-second inch in diameter at its small end and increases in diameter to approximately one half inch diameter at its large end. The expandable plug allows a user to place the unit in the ear, and tighten or loosen the unit thereby increasing or decreasing the size of the opening by means of a threaded assembly, depending upon the desired amount of expansion.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/281,050 filed Nov. 12, 2009, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “X-Earring Expandable Opening.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of jewelry, and more specifically to the field of pierced earring devices, such as the expandable earring plug.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for earring plugs. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,333 to Franklin D. Hollingworth describes an adjustable earring comprised of a pin adapted to pass through a hole pierced in an ear or other body part.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,220 to David H. Hamm, Jr. describes a security clutch with a self-centering spring for a jewelry post with a circumferential groove which includes a housing with a post receiving aperture extending therethrough and two access ports through a side wall.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,013,675 to Terri Marques-Pickering describes a smooth backed pierced earring comprising a shaft mounted on a base; a connector having a cavity for engaging the shaft and an adapter on the obverse; and a cap able to be affixed to the adapter on one side and a decorative aspect of the earring attached on the obverse.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a specially designed earring device that is configured to help adjust the size of piercings. The design intent is to provide consumers with an easy and expedient means of completing this process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the device of the present invention disassembled.

FIG. 3 shows the device of the present invention in its expanded phase of adjustment.

FIG. 4 shows the device of the present invention in place as it is worn by a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Women have been adorning their ears with beautiful jewelry for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, women wore heavy earrings made of precious lapis, colorful glass and solid gold. In Persia, dangling bronze baubles accentuated the ears of the ruling classes. Meanwhile, in ancient Greece and Rome, silver and gold earrings were expertly crafted by skilled metal smiths who accentuated them with pearls and cabochon jewels. Throughout the middle ages, into the Renaissance and up until the nineteenth century, earrings were worn mostly by wealthy or noble women and often featured rubies, emeralds, diamonds and sapphires. As time passed however, more affordable versions of these delightful accessories were embraced by people from all walks of life and women from all classes began sporting fashionable earrings for social events and day to day wear. Today, earrings are worn not only by women, but by a surprising number of men, as well. Earrings are so popular in fact, that many men and women wear more than one pair at a time, opting to have their ear lobes, as well as their ear cartilage repeatedly pierced, so that they may wear several earrings per ear. A favorite fashion staple, earrings will most certainly always be in style.

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the X-Earring, provides a specially designed earring device configured to mechanically expand the size of existing piercings. Fabricated of a durable stainless steel material, the X-Earring is essentially cylindrical in shape, having expansible side walls and measuring approximately one half to three quarters inch in overall length, and preferably approximately five eighths inch in length; and approximately one half to three quarters inch in overall diameter, and preferably approximately five eighths inch in overall diameter.

The device further comprises an inner threaded conical member which acts as an expandable plug which increases the size of the opening. The conical member measures approximately one thirty-second inch in diameter at its small end and increases in diameter to approximately one half inch diameter at its large end.

The expandable plug allows a user to place the unit in the ear, and tighten or loosen the unit thereby increasing or decreasing the size of the opening by means of a threaded assembly, depending upon the desired amount of expansion. This is a practical alternative to the tedious and time consuming task of using makeshift methods such as big spikes that tend to hang on the back and front of the earlobe.

The X-Earring eliminates the need to experience such discomfort. This device is compact and lightweight and therefore eliminates the bulkiness that is germane to spikes. In addition, the X-Earring serves as an attractive earring itself, allowing wearers to enjoy the trendy and stylish look of an earring while expanding the piercing hole. Eliminating the need to go to work or school with unattractive open piercings, simply because one is running a few minutes behind schedule, the innovative X-Earring provides a unique and stylish way in which to maintain a professional and well kept appearance.

Gently affixed into the ear, the X-Earring stays firmly and comfortably in place. Durably constructed of quality materials, the X-Earring withstands years of repeated wear.

The X-Earring is a unique invention that offers the fashion conscious consumer a practical alternative to traditional and makeshift means of piercing expansion. Offering even those with multiple piercings an attractive way to manage piercings, this cleverly designed device is a much valued accessory for anyone with pierced ears. Affordably priced, the X-Earring greatly appeals to anyone who wears earrings.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 

1. A device configured to mechanically expand existing piercings circular in shape, wherein the device is essentially cylindrical in shape, having expansible side walls and measuring approximately one half to three quarters inch in overall length, and approximately one half to three quarters inch in overall diameter, and wherein the device further comprises an inner threaded conical member which acts as an expandable plug which increases the size of the opening.
 2. The device of claim 1 comprising durable stainless steel.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the length is and approximately five eighths inch.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the overall diameter is approximately five eighths inch.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the conical member measures approximately one thirty-second inch in diameter at its small end and increases in diameter to approximately one half inch diameter at its large end.
 6. A method of increasing or decreasing the size of opening of a piercing comprising placing the device of claim 5 in the piering, and tightening or loosening the device thereby increasing or decreasing the size of the opening by means of a threaded assembly. 